LIMA — Annual school report cards released Tuesday by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce show overall improvements across many local districts. Most public school districts in Allen, Auglaize, Hardin, Putnam, and Van Wert counties either saw their overall scores improve or remain consistent compared to last year.
The overall score assigned to each district equally weights college and career readiness and four-year graduation rates, with each category accounting for 12.5% of the total. Many districts in Allen, Auglaize, Hardin, and Putnam counties reported increases in their four-year graduation rates.
Upper Scioto Valley schools recorded the most significant increase in graduation rates across the five-county area, rising by 8.7 percentage points. Upper Scioto Valley Superintendent Craig Hurley attributed this notable improvement to better daily attendance among students. Hurley reported that the district's chronic absence rate dropped to 16% last school year, improving from a previous rate of 21%. He emphasized the connection between attendance and success, stating, “If we’re getting them here every day, we have a better chance of getting them to graduation.”
Lima schools also saw a substantial rise in their four-year graduation rate, increasing by 5.9 percentage points. This marked the largest increase within Allen County. Lima Superintendent Andre Rudolph commented via email that Lima City Schools is "proud that our graduation rate continues to increase each year with a near 5% increase this year." Rudolph added that the district's objective is to ensure every student is prepared for life beyond high school, equipped with the necessary skills for a competitive global environment. He affirmed the district’s commitment to continuous improvement, with a future goal of achieving a 100% graduation rate.
New Knoxville schools experienced positive changes in both four-year graduation rates and college career readiness preparedness scores. Superintendent Mark Platfoot credited the community’s strong commitment to education for these gains. Platfoot noted that the "community has pride in our academics," which is reflected in the scores. He also specifically recognized the efforts of school counselor Ms. Heitkamp, stating that her intentional work with students has been instrumental in preparing them for their futures.
New Knoxville was among 19 schools across Allen, Auglaize, Hardin, Putnam, and Van Wert counties that saw their college and career readiness scores improve. Ten other school districts in the area maintained their scores in this category, while three districts experienced a decrease. Allen County school districts collectively demonstrated the most significant improvements in the college career readiness category.
